13th Mediterranean Cup Football Tournament

by on Nov 5, 2024

On Thursday 24 October, our U18 girls and boys football teams travelled to Verona, Italy to take part in the 13th edition of the annual Mediterranean Cup football tournament, alongside 46 teams from 15 different countries. This seven-a-side tournament was a great opportunity for our pupils to learn how to compete, develop as a team, and challenge themselves. Despite not winning the first prize, both teams made us proud by showing healthy sportsmanship and impeccable behaviour!

The boys showed incredible determination, fortitude and healthy fair play exhibiting a great example of team synergy, fighting until the last second of their last game, unluckily losing at penalties against the American International School of Riyadh and winning a well deserved 2nd place at the Under 18 Boys Europa league.
 
Our amazing captain Phineas (7) brilliantly led his team against St Louis School of Milan, St George’s International School of Luxembourg, St Stephen’s School of Rome, École International de Genève La Chataigneraie and the American International School of Riyadh. Fantastic players Niccolò (10) and the goalkeeper Lev (56) got a nomination for best players during some of the matches thanks to their superb contribution to the team.
The girls, too, showed incredible tenacity, perseverance, dedication and fair play, constantly encouraging each other to fight until the last second of their last game, giving their everything and unluckily losing 1-0 against École International de Genève La Chataigneraie, the defending champions, and winning a sensational 2nd place at the Under 18 Girls Elite Gold league.
 
Our incredible captain Skyla (10) tenaciously led her team against Firhouse ETS Dublin, British International School of Prague, Aloha College Marbella, St Louis School of Milan, École International de Genève La Chataigneraie and H-Farm International School of Treviso. Brilliant players Zoe (7) and Natalia (25) got nominated for best players during some of the matches thanks to their outstanding contribution to the team.
A particular mention to the talented English for Life student Natalia from Mexico, who, with her 8 goals, won the well deserved title of MVP (Most Valuable Player) of the whole tournament! Natalia showcased her amazing talent and passion for football on and off the pitch in an outstanding display of sportsmanship, praised not only by her team but also by other schools’ players. She bravely and tenaciously fought on the pitch match by match from jumping in the air to block the ball to shooting for the goals, using her secret move.

Lastly, we would like to thank the event organisers for the excellent feedback:

“Your school deserves our warmest compliments for the attitude and enthusiasm of the coaches and for the fantastic spirit of sportsmanship and fair play demonstrated by your players. The referees and hotel management also asked me to say how happy they were with the overall standards of behaviour. I also want to thank you for the very serious and active way that you interpret the role of group leader… I wish they were all like you! The boys had a tough Friday but they rallied a bit on Saturday/Sunday and managed to bring home a Second Place trophy! But the girls: wow – well done to them! And congratulations again to Natalia for winning the Girls’ BEST PLAYER award.” – Tournament organisers

St Clare's, Oxford